What started as an ordinary night in San Jose took a bizarre turn when a car plowed straight into a local post office and burst into flames.
Authorities later identified the driver as Richard Tillman—the younger brother of late NFL player and U.S. Army Ranger Pat Tillman.
The crash, which happened in the early hours of the morning, has left the community stunned, especially given the family’s public legacy.
Richard Tillman Booked After Fiery Crash
According to jail records from Santa Clara County, Richard Tillman was arrested on Sunday and is currently being held without bail.
At this time, the records don’t list any formal charges against him.
Local news outlets, including NBC Bay Area, reported that Richard allegedly live-streamed the crash as it happened.
That footage has reportedly been circulating online.
Vehicle Erupts in Flames at Post Office
San Jose police responded to an emergency around 3 a.m. after receiving reports of a vehicle fire at a post office on Crown Boulevard.
When officers arrived, they found a car engulfed in flames, having smashed into the building.
The fire quickly spread to parts of the structure, but fortunately, no one was injured.
Authorities are still investigating how the crash occurred and what led up to the incident.
Remembering Pat Tillman’s Heroic Legacy
The Tillman name is forever etched in American history thanks to Pat Tillman’s remarkable life story.
Once a rising star in the NFL, Pat left his football career behind in 2002 to enlist in the U.S. Army, deeply moved by the September 11 attacks.
He served with distinction in both Iraq and Afghanistan.
Tragically, Pat was killed in 2004 while serving near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border.
Initial military reports suggested he died during a battle with enemy forces.
However, later investigations confirmed that he was actually killed by friendly fire—an incident that sparked widespread outrage and multiple inquiries.
A Closer Look at the Friendly Fire Tragedy
Details from a 2007 Criminal Investigation Command report shed more light on the incident that claimed Pat’s life.
His platoon had split into two teams, and Pat’s group had gone back to help provide cover for the others who were caught in an ambush.
As they moved into a new position, members of the other half of the platoon mistakenly fired on them.
Despite their attempts to identify themselves as friendly forces, Pat was fatally shot.
Another Afghan ally also died in the crossfire, while two U.S. soldiers were injured.
Richard’s Blunt Eulogy Sparked Debate
Richard Tillman made headlines during his brother’s funeral in 2004—not just for his grief, but for his raw honesty.
In front of a large audience, he didn’t hold back, saying Pat was not religious and wouldn’t want people to comfort themselves by thinking he was “with God.”
His directness shocked some and resonated with others, offering a brutally honest take on death, belief, and remembrance.
Life Beyond the Headlines for Richard Tillman
Outside of his brother’s shadow, Richard Tillman has built a career of his own.
He’s a stand-up comedian based in California and has dabbled in acting, with a role in the 2008 film The Day the Earth Stood Still.
He’s also an author of children’s books, showcasing a more creative and gentle side of his personality.
What Comes Next for Richard?
At the moment, the investigation into the crash is still ongoing.
Authorities haven’t confirmed what charges Richard may face, and it remains unclear whether mental health or substance use may have played a role.
With his arrest making headlines and the emotional weight of his family’s history in the spotlight again, many are now wondering what Richard Tillman’s next chapter will look like—and how this latest event might shape it.